Mount Difficult Traverse

Hey y’all, this hike is a really interesting one, combining segments of a few different trails into a challenging but rewarding overnight adventure. The Grampians is famous for some pretty wicked views and great hiking, so get keen.

As this is an intermediate trip, overnight hiking experience is required. This hike will be a circuit of approx. 26km with some decent uphill at the start for around 3km which will require a bit of scrambling. Coming on this trip will require you to be capable of this distance and terrain as well as prepared for wet weather. Although you don’t have to be superman, and if you have any doubts, come see me at the trip meeting and let me know.

There is a strict limit of 6 (including leaders) for this trip, however this can be raised to 8 if we get another car.

First day, Sunday September 7th:

Meet at the clubrooms at 7:00 AM with full pack, after which we will load up the car and get moving by 7:30 AM, stopping for breakfast in Ararat.

After arriving at Plantation Campground, we will disembark and begin the most difficult portion of the hike, where we will have to punch through some overgrown trail uphill for around 3km until we intersect with the Grampians Peak Trail on mount difficult.

Walking atop the plateau and drinking in the view, after 9.7km we will switch to the Long Point track, which will lead us to Long Point West campsite, our camp for the night. Total distance around 13km.

Second day, Monday September 8th:

Leaving Long Point West campsite, we will follow the Long Point West Fire Trail to Mt. Difficult Road, following this for 6km until we ascend the plateau and reconnect with the Grampians Peaks Trail. After around 2km we will re-enter the overgrown trail from the first day and descend back to Plantation Campground. Total distance around 12km.

Leaving from plantation campground, and hopefully arriving back to the clubrooms at around ~5:00 PM.

Trail info and map

https://www.trailhiking.com.au/hikes/mount-difficult-range-traverse/